The Rift That Refuses to Die: This Forgotten Fault Is Still Active, Pulling Africa and Asia Further Apart
The Daily Galaxy••science
Key Points:
- New research reveals that the Suez Rift in northeast Africa, previously considered geologically inactive for about 11 million years, is still slowly undergoing tectonic activity with horizontal extension of 0.55 mm/year and vertical uplift of 0.13 mm/year.
- This discovery challenges the traditional binary model of continental rift evolution by suggesting a third category characterized by long-term, low-strain deformation without clear progression to ocean formation or complete dormancy.
- The study highlights subtle but persistent crustal movements detected through analysis of uplifted marine terraces, fossil coral reefs, and seismic patterns, indicating ongoing tectonic strain that had gone unnoticed due to its slow rate.
- The findings have practical implications for the Suez Canal region, a critical global trade
